Wegovy
What is Wegovy
Wegovy, whose active ingredient is semaglutide, is a once-weekly injectable medication manufactured by Novo Nordisk. It was approved by Health Canada in 2021 for chronic weight management in adults with:
- Obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²)
- Overweight (BMI ≥ 27 kg/m² plus at least one weight-related comorbidity)
- More recently, in November 2024, Canada approved Wegovy to reduce the risk of non-fatal myocardial infarction in adults with established cardiovascular disease and BMI ≥ 27 kg/m².[1]
The drug comes as a pre-filled injection pen. According to the product monograph, patients begin at a lower dose and escalate to a maintenance dose of 2.4 mg once weekly.[2]
Wegovy works by mimicking a naturally-occurring hormone (GLP-1) that helps regulate appetite; it slows gastric emptying, increases feelings of fullness and reduces hunger.
Buying Wegovy Online
In Canada, you can obtain Wegovy through licensed online healthcare services that follow the same legal and medical standards as in-person care. These services connect patients with certified medical professionals who assess whether the treatment is appropriate. The entire process happens remotely but still requires a valid prescription.
Typical steps include:
- Completing a secure medical questionnaire outlining your health history and current medications.
- Taking part in a short virtual consultation where eligibility for semaglutide is evaluated.
- If the provider finds it suitable, a prescription is issued and sent to a licensed pharmacy.
- The medication is dispensed and delivered, and the patient begins the gradual dose-escalation plan.
This model shortens waiting times and offers convenience for people in remote or busy areas, while still ensuring that the decision to start Wegovy is made under proper medical supervision. Buying it outside these regulated channels – without prescription or verification – is not allowed under Canadian law.
Wegovy Without a Prescription?
Wegovy is a prescription-only medication in Canada – you cannot legally purchase it without a doctor’s prescription. The fact that you are using a telemedicine platform does not equate to “buying without a prescription”. Even though the consultation is online, the provider must evaluate your health and issue a prescription legally. Attempts to purchase Wegovy without this legitimate step may put you at risk of receiving counterfeit or unsafe products.
Prices in Canada
In Canada the out-of-pocket cost for Wegovy can be substantial. One online pharmacy listed four injection pens (a month’s supply at standard weekly dosing) for about CAD $599.
Insurance coverage varies widely by province and plan; some private or employer-sponsored plans may cover part of the cost, but many Canadians still face high out-of-pocket expenses. Because of this cost, many patients and practitioners weigh the benefits carefully against the budget impact. It’s also worth noting that price comparisons show Canada’s cost is much lower than in the U.S. (where the same treatment can exceed US $1,300/month) but remains substantial domestically.[3]
Use and Outcomes
Wegovy is used as part of a weight-management programme, meaning it is an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Wegovy is injected once a week, usually on the same day and at roughly the same time. Each pen contains a pre-measured single dose designed for self-administration under the skin – most often in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. The needle is short and fine, and the injection itself typically takes only a few seconds.
Treatment begins with a low starting dose to help the body adjust.
Gradual increase helps reduce gastrointestinal side-effects. The injection can be taken at any time of day, with or without food. If a dose is missed and less than 5 days have passed, it can still be taken; if more time has elapsed, the next dose should be given on the regular day.
The Canadian guideline report observed that among patients with overweight or obesity (and in some cases type 2 diabetes) treated with semaglutide 2.4 mg, 45.6% achieved ≥10% weight loss and 25.8% achieved ≥15% at 68 weeks.[4] Real-world long-term data show that weight loss may plateau after around 65 weeks, but initial reductions tend to be maintained for years if treatment continues.[5]
Side Effects and Contraindications
As with any medication, Wegovy has potential side-effects and contraindications. Common adverse effects include gastrointestinal symptoms: nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea, abdominal pain. These are linked to its mechanism of slowing gastric emptying.
More serious risks include possible pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and in rare cases thyroid C-cell tumours in patients with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2 (multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2) – such patients should not use Wegovy.
Contraindications also include allergy to semaglutide or any component of the formulations. There are patients for whom this medication may not be suitable (for example those with a history of severe gastrointestinal disease or certain endocrine tumours). Given the significant cost and the need for sustained treatment, side-effects and contraindications need to be discussed with the prescribing provider in detail. One should also monitor for worsening gastrointestinal symptoms, possible gallbladder issues, or hypoglycaemia if the patient is also on diabetes medications.
Experience of People
Several users describe Wegovy as life-changing when it works – feeling less driven by food cravings, eating smaller portions, and seeing steady weight declines. Others report being frustrated with slow progress or problematic side-effects (especially nausea or GI upset) that led them to discontinue. One common theme: the treatment works best when paired with consistent lifestyle change.
- Some said: I lost-65 pounds… slow progress now…” and “Wegovy … LIFE-CHANGING. … I no longer think of food constantly”.[6]
- Treated CA: «Wegovy is generally effective for weight loss… some experience side-effects like nausea… others find it ineffective or experience no side-effects at all».
So while there’s promise, the real-world experience is mixed and hinges on the full programme rather than injection alone.
Alternatives
If Wegovy is not suitable – whether due to cost or contraindications – there are alternatives. Other GLP-1 receptor agonists or older medications such as liraglutide for weight-loss (brand name Saxenda) may be considered.
Non-pharmacological options remain central: structured diet programs, behavioural therapy, weight-loss surgery or devices. Also, newer medications are under development which may offer different mechanisms or dosing schedules, thereby providing more choices in coming years. In choosing any alternative, one must compare risks, costs, and suitability in light of one’s health profile.
Wegovy vs Saxenda
| Feature | Wegovy | Saxenda |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient / class | Semaglutide – GLP-1 receptor agonist | Liraglutide – GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| Indication in Canada | Chronic weight management in adults with BMI ≥30, or ≥27 with a weight-related comorbidity; also approved (Nov 2024) to reduce risk of non-fatal MI in adults with established CVD and BMI ≥27. | Chronic weight management in adults; also authorized for adolescents 12–18 meeting defined criteria (incl. body weight >60 kg). |
| Dosing frequency | Once weekly | Once daily |
| Typical titration | 0.25 mg → 0.5 mg → 1.0 mg → 1.7 mg → 2.4 mg (maintenance), at – 4-week steps. | 0.6 mg → 1.2 mg → 1.8 mg → 2.4 mg → 3.0 mg (maintenance), with gradual weekly increases. |
| Pen / format | Pre-filled pens for subcutaneous use (abdomen, thigh, upper arm). | Multi-dose, pre-filled pen delivering 0.6 – 3.0 mg steps. |
| Average weight-loss in trials* | -10 –15% mean loss by 68 weeks in STEP program. | -8% mean loss by 56 weeks in SCALE program. |
| Who might prefer it (practical) | Weekly dosing; stronger average weight-loss and a CV risk-reduction indication in specific adults with CVD. | Daily dosing; paediatric (12–18) indication exists under set criteria. |
FAQ
Yes. Wegovy is a prescription-only medication. It cannot legally be sold or imported without a prescription from a licensed Canadian healthcare provider. Telemedicine consultations count as proper medical assessments and can result in a valid prescription if the provider deems it appropriate.
Coverage varies. Some private and employer-sponsored plans may reimburse part of the cost, but public provincial drug plans generally do not list Wegovy yet. It’s best to check directly with your insurer to confirm if semaglutide for weight management is included under your plan.
If it’s been less than 5 days, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If more than 5 days have passed, skip that dose and return to your usual weekly schedule. Never double the next injection.
Both contain semaglutide, but Wegovy is formulated and approved for chronic weight management at higher doses (up to 2.4 mg weekly), while Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes treatment. Their dosing and coverage rules differ.
No. As of 2025, there are no approved generic versions of Wegovy or semaglutide for weight loss in Canada. The medication is still under patent protection by Novo Nordisk, and only the brand-name product is legally available. Be cautious with websites claiming to sell “generic semaglutide” or “compounded Wegovy” – these are not authorized by Health Canada and may pose serious safety risks.
References
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1. Biospace. Health Canada approves Wegovy® (semaglutide injection) to reduce the risk of non-fatal myocardial infarction; [November 27, 2024]. Retrieved November 5, 2025
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2. Novo Nordisk. PRODUCT MONOGRAPH. INCLUDING PATIENT MEDICATION INFORMATION WEGOVY (semaglutide injection); [8 April 2025]; Canada. Retrieved November 5, 2025
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3. Canada Pharmacy. How Much Does Wegovy Cost; Canada. Retrieved November 5, 2025
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4. Pedersen SD, Manjoo P, Wharton S. Canadian Adult Obesity Clinical Practice Guidelines: Pharmacotherapy for Obesity Management. Retrieved November 5, 2025
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5. Wired. Wegovy Can Keep Weight Off for at Least 4 Years, Research Shows; [May 16, 2024]. Retrieved November 5, 2025
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6. Drugs.com. Wegovy User Reviews & Ratings. Retrieved November 5, 2025
